The 7 Types of Shoes Every Man Should Own

April 07, 2025

Shoemaker John Wildsmith said "you are either in your bed or in your shoes, so it pays to invest in both" and with the amount of work our feet do for us, we're wise to look after them. But then, different occasions call for different styles; sliders are great on a lazy Sunday morning, not so great at your sister's wedding. The good news is that with the ever-increasing affordability of footwear, building your collection of wardrobe essentials has never been more doable. Step right this way as we walk you through the 7 types of shoe every man should own.

Loafers

Loafers are Scandinavian in origin, having been inspired by the straps of leather worn by fishermen while they worked. Today, the humble men's loafer has become one of the most fashionable shoes on the streets of London and Paris. Comfortable enough to be worn without socks, loafers are the epitome of smart-casual. They're great summer wear, and also present a good opportunity to get a bit of a change in your colour palette. Burgundy can work really well on a loafer and can really brighten up an outfit, but they also look great in the classic black and tan. Take a look at the classic penny loafer as your starting point.

Chelsea Boots

Chelsea boots are cool; it's as simple as that. Whether you take your reference from Mod culture or the musicians of the swinging 60s, they are a unique, fun and slick style to have at your disposal. Men's Chelsea boots are slim round the ankles so they work really well with skinny fit jeans, narrow chinos and even tailored suits. They're also surprisingly comfortable so you may find yourself wearing them more often than you thought you would. The're particularly good shoe for cooler days in spring and autumn.

Brogues

The classic men's brogue with its patterns and holes is a style that remains consistently popular. But did you know that those holes were originally there to help drain water from shoes sodden from the bogs and swamps of Ireland? That's right, the brogue was once a working shoe! Although today's brogues are more likely to carry us to and from the office, a link still remains to their soggy past: the greater the broguing (number of holes), the less formal the shoe. Brogues are your go-to smart shoes. They won't cover the uber-relaxed or the uber-smart end of the scale, but they'll do for pretty much everything in between. And some manufacturers are now making these shoes with light foam and cork soles, meaning they're a great choice for summer months.

Trainers

These days owning a pair of casual trainers is a must have. They're ideal for when you'll be doing a lot of walking and want to be comfortable, but they're also becoming increasingly common for everyday wear amongst all age groups. When kept well, they provide a great casual look that can still appear smart and stylish, and if you're not sure what colour to go for, choose white as a classy, solid and safe option.

Canvas

Canvas shoes are a spring staple. Just like casual shoes and trainers they offer comfortable fitting but what makes them one of a kind is their breathable and lightweight material. Canvas shoes are a better choice for when the weather is warm and dry as they help to create an airy and cool environment.

Sandals

Sandals are just what one needs in the summer. Whether you’re visiting the local park or travelling to a hot country abroad, sandals are perfect. You don’t want to be wearing closed toe footwear in hot climates, sandals are designed with an open toe which helps feet to breathe and not overheat. They come in all kinds of shapes and sizes so you can choose one that matches your style and the occasion the best. Strappy sport sandals with gripped outsoles are ideal for when you’re going to be doing lots of walking e.g. on a city break. Sliders are lightweight and comfy and are super quick to put on, they also offer a more laid-back look.

Wellies

Wellies are a saver when it comes to muddy terrains and rainy walks. They are designed to cover a greater surface of your legs, keeping more of you protected. With cleated outsole you can stay stable in slippery conditions, and they are flexible and quick to pull over your thicker trousers or jeans. Rely on wellington boots for walking the dog in the mud and rain or for a gardening project at home.

Conclusion

A good pair of shoes should make our feet feel good as well as making us feel good too, and each of these styles will do just that. Taken together they'll cover you for almost any occasion in an ever-changing sea of fashions. They say you can tell a lot about a man from his shoes, so why not reveal a few more sides to your personality? Check out our full selection of men's footwear.

Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.